Flow Grid for Exhaust Gas Velocity Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The exhaust gas flow from a gas turbine is not uniformly distributed, leading to uneven mechanical loads on system components in the exhaust gas line, which can result in costly design requirements for these components.
Innovation Solution
A flow grid is installed in the exhaust gas duct to partially block the flow, slowing down high-speed strands of exhaust gas and evening out the flow speed across the channel cross-section, using a partially gas-impermeable structure with adjustable guide plates and baffles to manage the flow distribution before it reaches downstream components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the exhaust gas flow is allowed to flow directly from the gas turbine to the waste heat boiler without flow distribution measures, then the system structure remains simple, but the uneven flow distribution causes mechanical loads and potential damage to downstream components
Solution Approach 1:
A flow grid is introduced as an intermediary component between the gas turbine and the waste heat boiler. The flow grid consists of a support structure with multiple flow-regulating elements that redistribute the exhaust gas flow, converting the uneven high-velocity flow from the turbine into a more uniform flow pattern that protects downstream components from mechanical damage
Solution Approach 2:
The flow grid divides the exhaust gas flow into multiple segments through its array of flow-regulating elements. Each element independently manages a portion of the flow, collectively achieving uniform distribution across the entire cross-section of the exhaust gas channel, thereby protecting downstream components
2Stability of the object's composition
If the flow grid completely blocks the exhaust gas flow to ensure uniform distribution, then the flow uniformity is maximized, but the pressure loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The flow grid is designed with a porous-like structure consisting of multiple flow-regulating elements spaced across the channel. This configuration allows the exhaust gas to pass through while being redistributed, achieving flow uniformity without complete blockage, thereby minimizing pressure loss while maintaining stable velocity distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The flow-regulating elements are designed to provide partial resistance to the exhaust gas flow rather than complete blockage. This partial action is sufficient to redistribute the flow uniformly while allowing the majority of the gas to pass through, thus achieving flow stability without excessive pressure loss
3Strength
If a flow grid is installed to equalize the exhaust gas velocity, then the mechanical loads on downstream components are reduced, but the device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow grid serves as a protective intermediary that equalizes exhaust gas velocity before the flow reaches downstream components. By distributing the flow uniformly, it prevents localized high-velocity impacts that would create excessive mechanical loads, thereby protecting components without requiring them to be over-engineered for worst-case scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The flow grid provides beforehand cushioning by pre-distributing the exhaust gas flow into uniform patterns before it reaches downstream components. This prevents the formation of high-velocity strands that would otherwise create damaging mechanical loads, protecting components in advance rather than requiring them to withstand extreme peak loads
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The flow grid effectively equalizes the exhaust gas velocity across the duct cross-section, reducing mechanical loads on system components and protecting them from damage caused by uneven flow forces, thereby extending their lifespan and reducing design and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The flow grid is partially impermeable to gas and is designed to change the flow in a targeted manner. The strands of exhaust gas with increased speed are slowed down and the flow speed is evened out over the channel cross section.
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The arrangement has a flow grid (14) partially blocking cross-section of a channel (1) and provided with passages. The flow grid is arranged transversely in an area of the channel at an end facing a gas turbine, where excessive speeds occur in the area of the channel. The grid consists of a row of individual pipes or rods that are arranged next to each other and at a distance from each other in a longitudinal direction of the channel. A cooling medium flows through the pipes. The flow grid is supported at an inner casing of the channel.